Dermestes carnivorus
This record describes Dermestes carnivorus (species). Recorded family: Dermestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
habitus & abdomen images in
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Dermestidae (Carpet Beetles)
- Genus
- Dermestes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
synanthropic; indoor pest in the UK
Geographic Range
native to the Neotropics , now nearly cosmopolitan ; in our area, CA‒TX‒FL to CO‒NY
Diet and Behavior
Diet: infests hides, dried skins, dried fish, fishmeal, bones, Brazil nuts, grain residues, and oilcake
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dermestes carnivorus Fabricius 1775
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dermestes carnivorus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Dermestes carnivorus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Dermestes carnivorus
How big is Dermestes carnivorus?
6.5‒8.5 mm
How do you identify Dermestes carnivorus?
habitus & abdomen images in
Where is Dermestes carnivorus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | synanthropic; indoor pest in the UK |
| Range | native to the Neotropics , now nearly cosmopolitan ; in our area, CA‒TX‒FL to CO‒NY |
What does Dermestes carnivorus eat?
The diet of the Dermestes carnivorus includes infests hides, dried skins, dried fish, fishmeal, bones, Brazil nuts, grain residues, and oilcake.